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Monday, July 19, 2010

Bow Ties with Sausage and Leek Sauce

Farfalle or Butterflies with Sausage and Leek Sauce

...and a very beautiful Morpho butterfly from Brazil for Blue Monday.

From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I had a backlog of leeks in the refrigerator and needed to clear space for other produce that's being harvested. To that end, I made a leek tart and a large batch of potato soup that was destined for the freezer and fall lunches. There were still, however, several large leeks that had to be dealt with. A quick search took me to the recipe that I'm featuring today. I am a huge fan of Lidia Bastanich and have nothing but good things to say about the food she prepares. This recipe is one she developed and I'm happy to report that those who follow it will have a pasta that's delicious, inexpensive and easy to make. The original recipe comes from her book Lidia's Italian Table which can be found here. This dish appealed to me on several levels. We are trying to eliminate some of the meat in our diet, and while the dish is not vegetarian, it uses far less meat than is found in most pasta sauces. While strongly flavored, it is also very light do to the absence of cream or a tomato base. The flavor of leeks dominates the other ingredients in the dish. I do not recommend using onions in their stead. The leeks add a sweetness that is missing in onions and they would really change the nature of this dish. I know those of you who try this will like it. Here's my version of the recipe. Bow Ties with Sausage and Leek Sauce...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite, adapted from Lidias Italian Table

Directions:1) Bring salted water to a boil. Cover pot to speed up the boiling time.2) Meanwhile, prepare leeks: Cut off and discard top third of rough green portion and root ends. Remove any brown or wilted outer layers. Slice remaining green and white parts into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Rinse leek slices in several changes of cold water, swishing them around to remove all soil and grit.3) In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Crumble sausage meat into skillet and cook, breaking up lumps, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add leeks to skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in shallots and cook for 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, peas and stock. Heat to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, cover skillet, and set aside.4) While sauce simmers, stir bow ties into boiling water. When water returns to a boil, uncover pot. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente (tender, but firm), about 12 minutes. Drain bow ties well and return them to pot over low heat.5) Add sausage and leek sauce to the pasta and toss well until pasta is coated. Remove pot from heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and grated cheese. Toss well. Serve immediately, passing additional grated cheese if desired. Yield: 6 servings.

Mary: I'm a big fan of Lidia too! And, I have seven nice leeks in the crisper that are in search of a "dish". Thanks for the potato soup for the freezer reminder--those winter winds will blow sooner than I like to think.

I adore leeks! They do offer such a nice flavor, bit of sweetness like you mentioned. My husband would love this dish! I think I will be getting Lidia's book too...not sure why I haven't yet? Thanks Mary!

Bow tie pasta has always been one of my favorite pastas. We have been using a lot of leeks lately at work too,more so in soups than anything. But I would love to make this for my pasta-loving family back home!

My last comment was deleted...but this pasta looks delicious. I adore leeks, and although I don't do sausage, I'm sure this would still taste delicious without. Butter, shallots, cheese and leeks...yum!

Mary - Another delicious recipe. Yesterday I looked at my bookmarked recipes to plan my menus for the week. I am guessing 25% of the recipes I have bookmarked are yours!! Making your shrimp with corn and basil tonight. I love Lydia and leeks! I hardly ever cook with sausage. One more of Mary's recipes bookmarked. Check! Have a great day!

Hi Mary ! Hope you are doing great. Just got back after a long vacation in India :-)Really missed you all..I know I have tons to catch up now..This is such an awesome combo..my daughter would love this

Fabulous picture of the Morpho butterfly! I like butterflies- as long as they don't flutter *any*where near me and stay well away! Pasta with any kind of leek sauce is lovely, and so comforting- this dish looks delicious. Have a great week Mary, x

I just bought one of Lidia's books but haven't had the chance to cook anything from it yet. I'm so glad to hear that you like her recipes. I love the sound of the leek sauce. It looks and sounds wonderful. Hope you're doing well this summer!

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